Bacon wrapped jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese are the ultimate low carb game day snack!
Wrapping bacon around any food steps it up a notch, and that's no exception with these bacon wrapped jalapenos. A party favorite and keto-friendly, jalapeno poppers are such a classic recipe that never goes out of style!
I know what you're thinking: "Nikki, these are soooo five years ago!" You're wrong! They are more like "soooo SEVEN years ago!" when The Pioneer Woman placed this recipe in the spotlight. HA! But, I make bacon wrapped jalapenos during the football season as one of our favorite appetizers so it fits to add it to my blog collection.
Plus, you can never have too many reminders to wrap something in bacon, right?
Ingredients
(full printable recipe at end of post)
You need just 3 basic ingredients to make jalapeno poppers: Fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon. I like to use thick cut bacon, but any type will do. We also use medium sized jalapenos and make sure the cheese is softened to room temperature.
How to Make Jalapeno Poppers
These jalapeno poppers are always a hit at any party, along with my pimento cheese stuffed poppers. Here's how to make them with minimal prep time:
First, carefully slice the jalapenos in half and scoop out the seeds and ribs. Make sure you wear gloves or at least wash your hands immediately after and before you touch your face or eyes!
Next, fill each jalapeno half with a tablespoon of cream cheese, then wrap a half slice of bacon around each jalapeno half.
Preheat oven and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Top with a wire rack and lightly grease with nonstick spray. Place bacon wrapped jalapenos on the wire rack and bake until crisp, about 20 minutes.
Why a Wire Rack?
It's important to use the wire rack because it keeps the jalapenos upright while baking and also helps the air circulation to keep the bacon crispy. The foil underneath will catch any bacon drippings for easy cleanup. Parchment paper can be used instead.
Tips
- Spices: There isn't a ton of heat to these if you scoop out the ribs and seeds. You can step up the flavor by mixing in your favorite spices into the cream cheese mixture. Try dry ranch seasoning, Cajun/Creole spices, or etc.
- Filling: Instead of a cream cheese filling, stuff the jalapenos with pimento cheese before wrapping in bacon! Or, have you tried my brisket stuffed jalapenos?
- Topping: Try topping the baked poppers with a drizzle of hot sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite barbecue sauce before serving.
- Bacon: If you want more bacon on each jalapeno, double the amount of bacon and wrap a full slice around each jalapeno half.
- Toothpicks: You can secure bacon slices with toothpicks, but I haven't found it necessary.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
More Game Day Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Piggies
- Million Dollar Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Ranch Snack Crackers
- Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins
Eat It, Rate It, Share It!
Made it and liked it? Leave a star rating, take a photo and tag me on social media @seededtable so I can share it!
This article was originally published September 16, 2014 and updated with new notes and no changes to the recipe September 2022.
Recipe Card
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 8 medium jalapeño peppers
- 6 oz cream cheese , softened
- 8 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a wire rack over top a large rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
- Carefully slice each jalapeño in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and membranes. Be sure to either wear gloves or wash your hands immediately after handling the jalapeños. (Do not rub your eyes or touch your kids until you wash your hands!)
- Stuff each jalapeño half with an equal amount of the cream cheese. Cut the slices of bacon in half and tightly wrap one half around each cream cheese stuffed jalapeño half.
- Place the bacon wrapped jalapeños on the wire rack, set over the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon reaches desired crispness.
Notes
- This is a great base recipe. To take the poppers to another level, try mixing in other seasonings, like dry ranch mix or cajun spices, to the cream cheese before stuffing the jalapenos. Or, top the baked poppers with a drizzle of hot sauce or ranch before serving. The possibilities are endless!
- If you want more bacon on each jalapeno, double the amount of bacon and wrap a full slice around each jalapeno half.
- You can secure bacon slices with toothpicks, but I haven't found it necessary.
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Nutrition
